The experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Margaret Hemp (Smith College) - abroad from 02/04/2019 to 05/18/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Development, Politics and Languages
Incredible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Incredible academics with tons of excursions and in-the-field learning. Amazingly enthusiastic professors make it so fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wonderful, great orientation to help you get settled, Diana brings you to all your medical appointments, the staff is super supportive and nice and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great host family. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Great integration with the host families, on excursions a little less integrated because you are with you program. However, on one excursion you have an additional brief homestay. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Because the program has its own insurance, every doctor visit was reimbursable. You will need the yellow fever vaccine and a few meds like malaria meds etc. |
| * Safety: |
Quito is fine as long as you keep your wits about you. Avoid being out alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
You will go places and see things you would have never ever thought you would go to or see. This program is rich in experience. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Easy. 50 cents a day total for transportation to and from school. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 dollars for transportation, not much more than that. Maybe 15? |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | seek it out. Seek out practice. Choose to challenge yourself by using the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | the packing list should be questioned, I'd email alumni to ask about any doubts you may have. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
